The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts. - Bertrand Russell

Monday, August 29, 2005

Book Review

Book Review time again! yes that means i actualy had a little time to read. I finaly finished reading what is probably the most important book ever writen. too over the top? well its a great book my one of the few intellectuals willing to tell the truth without fear. This book I speak of is none other than, A Peoples History of the United States, by Howard Zinn. this book is simply fantastic. ok enough with the praise. this book deals with the history of the united states from 1492 through the presidency of Clinton. It is aptly named A People History because its brought to you from the view point not of george washington but from the view of the farmers in the wiskey rebellion. the view of the indians instead of columbus. it is the history of the people who make up this country not the history of the rich and powerfull. this is what makes it unique. Howard Zinn makes no claims as to being unbias as most people do. he stoutly say that all history is bias and being that almost every history book is bias from the view of the leader of the country he is unashamed to say that his book is bias from the view of the oppressed. This is a book that should be owned by anyone who wants a clear account of the full history of the US. If you want to know more about george washington then there are a million other books for that. If you want to know how his leadership affected the people of this nation than there is only one book to buy. I am now thinking strongly about trying to get into boston U. simply so that i can learn from this man, I have to make sure he is still teaching first. Im not sure if i can give stronger praise than that.

Ok this ones a twofer. Also read The Prince by Machiavelli. This book frightens me a bit. It was written about 450 years ago in Italy by a man under the rule of a prince. What is frightening is that it is still very accurate to these times. This book is quite simply a guide to how to rule a country. It is concitered the basis for all modern governments. It does not deal with how things should be, there is nothing utopian about it. it simply states the way things are, and apparently the way that things will be. I would recomend this book to anyone who is interested in politics and power. It is a very short book, about a hundred pages is all. And yet it has influenced countless world leaders, not always for the good of the people. as I said its not a utopia it is a guide for the powerfull. It is an interesting book and well work the read.